January 27th, 2011 by Chillow Pillows

While the exact numbers are not known it is thought that several million people lose sleep every night because of restless leg syndrome. The exact cause of this frustrating and painful condition is not exactly known but the majority of studies done point to some form of brain chemistry problem. For the people who suffer from it finding a restless leg syndrome treatment is at the forefront of their needs.

It is classified as a neurological disorder that causes a crawling or tingling sensation along the upper legs that makes those who suffer its effects feel an uncontrollable urge to get up and move around to find relief. The sensations are often described as if an insect or something is crawling just under the skin of the legs, along with burning and tugging sensations. These sensations can be merely annoying all the way to excruciating pain.

When it comes to a restless leg syndrome treatment there are two basic approaches; the natural holistic route or using over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications. They are both effective at relieving restless leg syndromes symptoms depending on the severity.

Natural Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome

The primary symptom of needing to get up and walk around works for the majority of people who have this disorder. Unfortunately the symptoms most often appear in the evening or just as the person is falling asleep causing them to lose sleep and suffer many sleepless nights. For these people a more permanent treatment is needed.

People with mild to moderate symptoms are recommended to make certain lifestyle changes which are shown to help with the symptoms. Stopping the use of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine is the first recommendation followed by dietary changes that include supplements to offset deficiencies of iron folate and magnesium. In fact there is a growing consensus that an iron deficiency may be one of the causes of RLS.

Heat applied to the legs by taking a warm bath, using a heating pad or hot water bottle, or massaging a liniment such as Icy/Hot are all good ways to increase blood flow to the legs. Increased blood circulation to the affected areas provides soothing relief of the symptoms.

Cooling has also been found to aid in relief of Restless Leg Syndrome. Products such as the Chillow Plus Cooling Insert, a larger version of the original Chillow, is ideal for calming and relieving the symptoms of RLS, because it is able to cover a larger body area at one time.

Prescription Drug Therapy for Restless Leg Syndrome

For those who experience more severe symptoms prescription drugs may provide levels of relief that the more natural therapies cannot match. Again, these only treat the symptoms as no known sure exists at this time. Four classes of drugs are currently used for the treatment of restless leg syndrome.

1.Dopaminergics – Used primarily to treat Parkinson’s disease, they increase the level of dopamine in the brain.

2.Benzodiazepines – Works as a sedative on the central nervous system. Prescribed primarily to help RLS sufferers sleep through the night.

3.Opiates – These drugs are used primarily to relieve pain and have been found to be effective in the treatment of restless leg syndrome.

4.Anticonvulsants – A class of drugs that work by suppressing sensory disturbances and severe muscle spasms.

The first step to finding a restless leg syndrome treatment is visiting a doctor. By getting the right diagnosis a treatment regimen can be built that best treats the individual symptoms. Every person is different and what works for one may not work as well for someone else.

To learn more about getting treatment for restless leg syndrome, its causes, and coping strategies visit the website Restless Leg Syndrome by clicking here.

By Andrew Bicknell
Published: 10/27/2007

January 22nd, 2011 by Chillow Pillows

What we all need to know about the sleeping disorder Restless Legs Syndrome, also known simply as RLS…

Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS, is a condition mainly described as an irresistible urge to move the body, or a part of the body, to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations. The legs are what is mostly affected, hence the name. But the arms and torso can also be affected. Victims of the Restless Legs Syndrome describe feeling either burning, tickling, or itching sensations in the muscles. They would then move the affected body part to relieve them of the uncomfortable feelings. RLS is also known as the Wittmaack-Eckbom’s Syndrome, and sometimes also called (inaccurately) as Nocturnal Myoclonus.

The Symptoms of RLS

There is not yet a test that can give a definite diagnosis of the Restless Legs Syndrome. The symptoms of the condition is also very broad and sometimes vague. The following are symptoms that you have to look for when considering the possibility of RLS:<

• You feel uncomfortable sensations which increase with time and inactivity. It is usually your legs that experiences these.
• You feel an urge to move your affected body parts. When you do, there is a relief and deterioration in the uncomfortable sensations. Stretching or walking is usually preferred, but any type of movement can be done.
• The sensations and the urge to move are worse at night and when you are trying to sleep.
• You feel fatigue and exhaustion and it affects your day activities and your personal life.
• Some patients report problems in concentrating and remembering.
• The cause of the uncomfortable sensations cannot be detected by medical tests.
• RLS can sometimes be inherited. This means that if a family member has RLS, then you may have it, too.

The Three Types of RLS

There are three types of RLS that have been classified by the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (www.rls.org):

1. Primary or Familial: Restless Legs Syndrome is found to run in the family.
2. Secondary: RLS happens as a result of another condition such as low iron levels or chronic diseases.
3. Idiopathic: RLS occurs when there is no known associated conditions or family history.

There are many conditions and disorders that can easily mimic the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome. Muscle diseases, joint conditions, and circulation difficulties can be mistaken as symptoms of RLS. As stated, there is no known test to provide a definite diagnosis for the Restless Legs Syndrome. So one has to be patient and critical in finding out whether or not he or she has RLS or if it’s a different condition.

There is also no definite cure for the Restless Legs Syndrome. There are treatments laid out by health organizations but most of the medications are still being disputed as to its effect in eliminating the condition.

RLS chooses no age. It can start any time. It may start in one’s early childhood years or when one is mature enough. As time goes by, the uncomfortable sensations will either worsen or sometimes disappear. Many have reported that the odd and uncomfortable sensations disappear for a time and return when there is inactivity. Symptoms may sometimes permanently disappear. But for most, Restless Legs Syndrome becomes a progressive disease.

Fortunately, RLS itself is not dangerous, and often made tolerable with physician or self administrated methods. While there are many options involving medication, pain killers, and sleep aids, there are also many more natural remedies as well. Unfortunately there is not a one size fits all treatment for RLS (Wittmaack-Eckboms Syndrome), and you will have to find the method that works best for you.

“The news coverage of restless legs syndrome is disturbing. It exaggerated the prevalence of disease and the need for treatment, and failed to consider the problems of overdiagnosis.

Sedorum is aimed at treating one of the most common neurological disorders today – Restless Leg Syndrome. Sedorum treats it 100% safely.

RLS is a neurological condition resulting in deep-seated, jittery, burning, or crawling sensations deep within the leg, or a strong urge to move the legs around.

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